Student Reviews From Stone Carving

Read the student reviews on how the stone carving classes at Papanui High School Continuing Adult Education night class have had a positive result after their tutorage. Many students have sculpted a number of works for friends and family. Some have gone on to exhibit and sell their own works of art.

Keith Moyes
Keith Moyes

12 months ago I was a grey-haired old man (49) with time on his hands so I started a learner's stone carving course at Papanui High School. Under Shaugn's tutorage I became familiar with the stone (Oamaru Stone) and how to develop something artistic out of it. I am still doing it as a hobby and I have been asked by many friends and family to make pieces of art for them. I started with the very basic 'Koru" and now I can make almost anything. 

I have always said that it was Shaugn's teaching's that has helped me get to where I am. So to that point, thank you very much Shaugn. (Although my wife may not be as happy) I have turned our lovely garage into a carving workshop and we have dust everywhere.) But what it does show is that you are never too old to learn this wonderful art.

Keith Moyes

Jen
nude sculpture

I decided to do the Beginners class in stone carving because it is something that I have always been curious about learning. I wanted to do something new and get out of home in the evenings. I've always had an interest in Art. The beginners classes are a great way to start, there was something so satisfying about being about to take something home when you complete it. 

Shaugn has some great Beginners projects that allow you to learn the basic concepts of stone carving in a fun and fulfilling manner. During this time I found that stone carving was something that I really enjoyed.

I decided to carry on for the Advanced Stone carving. I enjoyed Shaugn's teaching style and the energy and atmosphere in the classes. Stone carving has become something that I look forward to. I love deciding what to carve and then watching the progress of mine and other class members sculptures as they develop. There is something very self satisfying about creating something that is your own. I have thoroughly enjoyed the learning and creating that I have done with Shaugn's guidance. 

Click to view Jens sculptures

Joy
Nude by Jen

Read Joy's story of how sculpting in stone has been therapeutic in bringing out her creative side. 

Wooden Mallet

I recommend using a wooden mallet for carving Oamaru stone.

Chisel Set

Woodworking chisels are perfectly fine for carving with Oamaru stone. 

Masonary Sealer 

This is the best sealer that I could find on Amazon that I would consider to be suitible for Oamaru Stone 

Course Sandpaper

Ryobi Engraver

Fine Sandpaper

Engraver

Scissor Lift Trolly

Mobile Tool Box

Shaugns Recommended Stone Carving Tools

Although the tools below are sold through Amazon. They are the same as the stone carving tools that I personally recommend to my students for carving with Oamaru stone.

Poratable Workbench

These benches are height adjustable which makes them perfect for stone carving. I own the Ryobi workbench and love it, but unfortunatlly it is only sold through Amazon's UK store for people that are wanting to buy it online.

Stanley: Surform Shaver

This is a must-have tool for shaping large areas of Oamaru stone

Riffler Files

These are smaller files that are designed for the parts of your sculpture that are difficult to get at. They are also an essential set of tools


Builders Pencils

Crosscut Hand Saw

This type of crosscut  hand saw is my recommendation for cutting Oamaru stone

Keyhole Handsaw

A very handy saw. Mosty used for sawing after a hole after it has been drilled into the stone.